These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

Moving out of your comfort zone definitely leaves you missing a few things about home...but, it also introduces you to things that you never knew you didn't have. So, here are a few of my favorite things about Basel:

• The International Community...there really are people here from everywhere. I love all the accents...
• The Turkish grocery stores...they are open on Sunday; they have wine!
• The "Wanderweg"s or walking trails. Wherever you go, there are well marked paths for hiking or just enjoying a nice stroll.
• The Rhine...there's something about living on a river! At night, it's amazing watching the moon reflect upon the current and the lights of the surrounding city glitter like stars within reach.
• Cafes...there is always a little cafe to have a nice coffee or glass of wine with a friend and some good conversation.
• Public Transportation...I really do like it. I haven't quite missed my Highlander yet! Of course it would be convenient from time to time but I can get wherever I want almost whenever I want...walking is still a form of transport that we often forget about in the US.

Anyhow, there are many other things but I definitely need to study at least a little German and I have to be on time tomorrow for lessons so I need to get to sleep at a decent hour. If not before, I'll definitely be posting pics of my place from my Halloween/Housewarming! Until next time...

Finally Home

Finally I feel completely at home. I'm in my new place and have all my things, the only thing missing is my family and friends from the States. I'm so excited about planning my Housewarming/Halloween party....yea!!! Anyhow, busy as always but starting to get a routine. We are going to do Climbing every Tuesday and I'm playing squash for the first time ever on Thursday. I have pretty much decided to do my CFA...so I'll be pretty busy studying soon...well, as busy as I usually am studying ;) This weekend we went shopping for snowboard gear so I'm ready for the Zermatt trip on the first week of December. I also got my climbing harness so I'm ready for some outdoor adventures!!! More pics to come as soon as I buy a battery charger ;) I am so excited about Christmas...Matt Besser (High School Friend) is coming from Sudan to visit so we are going to have a great time...and Scott (Grad School Friend) may be coming for New Years...then Dana and Kim are coming next year...I can't wait!!!

Feel free to add any recommendations you may have for my Halloween Party...

The Summer is Ending ;(

Well it's been a while since I sent an update...much has been going on. Work is work and I still love it. I've been trying to figure out what course of study I'm going to pursue...yes, I'm still planning on studying...my German lessons are fun but my German skills are Nicht Sehr Guten (not sure that's even spelled right).

Since my last update I went out to this really cool restaurant called the Blindekuh, in which no lights are allowed and you are served in the dark. As you can imagine, it is quite an experience and we made it more interesting by eating the mystery meal. It is so weird not being able to look around and see who is in the restaurant. I really wanted to see the faces when I said "when do we get our clothes back"! Unfortunately, I didn't start thinking of all the fun things you could do in a completely dark restaurant until the end of the meal, but I'm keeping a list for next time. Feel free to add ideas!
http://www.blindekuh.ch/e/basel/story/story.html

That weekend we went bowling on Friday night and then left for Savognin for a mountain biking weekend early Sat morning. I have never felt so out of shape in my life...but the views were spectacular and totally worth the pain. The first day we ended up in a village that was having an end of summer festival and we stopped and joined the locals for coffee and dessert while listening to the bells of cows dressed for the festivities. The guys in the group got crazy and jumped into a lake on the way back...and it was cold outside...That evening we had an incredible cookout by the lake and rested up for the next day. Most of us were in bed by 10...amazing.



The next morning we started our next ride; I took the easier route (easy is relative to the other route, which was crazy) up to the lake, which was still very, very steep. But the view of the pristine lake was priceless. However, it was freezing, and I really enjoyed stopping for Hot Ovaltine (I think it is spelled differently here).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Savognin

During the past week, 6 of us took private group climbing lessons at a local inside rock climbing wall...it was incredible. I think I found a new hobby. We plan on going every Tuesday...I can't wait!!!

On Friday I signed for my new flat...I am sooo excited for my things to get here Wed. Friday night was another housewarming/birthday party and Saturday I made my first trip to Ikea.. you have to go to Ikea!!! Today I went on another short hike and have been packing my things (boo). It's so exciting to move but I am also tired of moving. Less than a year ago I moved into my townhouse and had a housewarming party and now I am in the planning stages of one here....Halloween/Housewarming??? We'll see...

Goodnight and until next time...

Weekly Update

Just a quick post to catch up...

Weekend was incredible, mountain biking is awesome, tiring, rewarding... We had a great cookout... pictures to come soon.

I have a bunch of work to do so I'll catch this up this week...

Month Two

So I have now been here over a month and still am in love with Switzerland. I signed a contract for my flat and will move in October 1st...so it looks like I'll be having another housewarming, just about the same time as my housewarming last year:) I'm excited about my sea container getting here with all of my belongings but living here for two months without those things really makes me reconsider what one needs in life. But then again, the 10 pairs of shoes I brought with me on the plane just isn't enough:)

The last few weeks have been crazy as always...last weekend we had another exciting time...Canyoning!!! Canyoning is jumping, sliding, and absailing down freezing cold glacier streams in the mountains. It is sooooooooo much fun... and we were lucky that we had a small group and really cool guides (even though one dunked me). That evening we stayed in a hostel with a hot tub...there were some incidents involving a slide, red wine, rain...but I'll just leave that to your imagination. The next day we were supposed to do another climb but the weather wasn't cooperating so we went home...which was great since I really needed sleep.

http://www.mountainhostel.com/

http://www.outdoor-interlaken.ch/en/summer/canyoning/

I still really like my job and still excited about German lessons. After work during the week I went to the pub and watched the England/Croatia soccer/football game. I am very glad England won since I was in an English Pub surrounded by Brits...it was great to be surrounded by such enthusiastic fans:)

This Friday there was a housewarming party that was quite nice. My take away from that evening is beware of "Polish Apple Juice." Saturday evening we had drinks at a friends house and then dancing at A2...it was a really cool place because one side had house music with smoke and lasers and the other had ...well I don't know how to explain it but songs you sing and dance along to...it was great. Today I went hiking with Maciej...it was so cool since once you get to the top of the hill, you take a scooter to the bottom...good times:)

http://www.musikparka2.ch/

Well I have to get some sleep so...more to come soon....miss everyone!

So far behind in Blogging, Cleaning, Studying, but So Worth It!

So it has been quite a while...I guess I'll start with something I didn't post after Mt Pilatus...the best invention...a Beer Vending Machine...yes 3chf and you have a nice cup of beer straight from the keg. Is it coincidence that you have to climb us stairs...or is it just a little closer to heaven for a reason??? Something to ponder (LOL).




So our visit to Lugano was great. The day before we had a team building event and then went out to Paddy's, where many nights end, and had to wake up after a few hours of sleep to make the train...this time I made it! We met the rest of the group when we got there and were ready to explore...a dip in the lake (I had to climb a tree along the way), a boat ride to another town, an Italian Dinner on the Swiss side, and a few drinks. The next day we went to Lake Como Italy and visited Bellagio. After a boat ride, an early dinner at the lake, and a run to catch the train, we were back to Basel.
So another week at work, another dip in the Rhine, and then another weekend. This one started with a Brazilian Festival in Basel (Klosterberg Festival) and ended...well eventually, and that's all I have to say about that:)

The next day was so exciting...we did a a 300m vertical Via Ferrata climb... the climb was incredible, I was with a great group of people, the views were amazing...so exciting I'm planning the next one this weekend! I think I found my hobby:) Oh yea, I think I'm going canyoning this weekend too...we'll see:)
http://http://www.myswitzerland.com/en.cfm/interests/adventure_sports/offer-Activities_Sports_and_Adventure-Klettersteig-37115.htmlActivities_Sports_and_Adventure-Klettersteig-37115.html

So I'm supposed to be studying German...I started taking lessons Tue and Thur at 8am at work. I have a feeling it will be a fun class based on the participants...not so sure how much German I'll learn. They don't really speak German here...Swiss German is much different, but I am determined to read (the write in high German) and learn how to pronounce at least my street:) Which reminds me, I signed a lease on my flat and am moving in on Oct 1st...I bet you are all glad you're a continent away and I can't ask for help:) Well, the sea container will be unloaded for me, I just have to take care of what I already have and put stuff away.


I really like my job, my life, everything. I've been extremely busy (the blog just has the highlights...the sensored highlights that is:) but I do miss everyone and would love updates. I need them, I forgot all about Labor Day:)


More to come soon...

Catching Up...the Rhine at Night and Lugano and Como

So it's been a while since I updated but it is 1am and I have to go to work tomorrow so...will update soon:)

The Rhine after work

Dana and Kim...remember in Charleston when you tried to go through the McD's drive thru and they refused...here they have a walk thru :)

Lugano, Switzerland

Bellagio, Lake Como, Italy

Lake Como, Italy

Lugano, Switzerland

Rain or Shine; Swimming in the Rhine!!!

Today Urs and I went swimming in the Rhine. It was soooooooooo cool, literally :). We had the entire river to ourselves (probably because it was so cold)...I hope to do it again soon.

I finally got Vonage to work so I have my US phone. After threatening legal action (thanks for the advice Dana), and threatening to publicise my story they finally fixed the issue. I hate to take it that far but you would not believe what happened.

Anyhow, looking forward to this weekend...Lugano and Locarno:)

Miss everyone...still love it here!!!

Let's just hop over to Germany for dinner

Hehehe...I love that. We had dinner in Germany last night at Lorache (I know I didn't spell it right). Sooo nice.

Temporary Housing

So here are some pictures of my temporary housing...I should be looking for permanent housing on http://www.homegate.ch/ but I am procrastinating as usual :)

Weekend Update

Before I left the US, I locked myself out of my house about 5 times...Friday morning I locked myself in my apartment...seriously. The key wasn't working and I couldn't open the door. The worst part was I couldn't stop laughing because I kept thinking about calling work..."I'm sorry, I will be a little late today...I've locked myself in the house." Eventually the key worked and I regained composure but...

Friday night we went to the Jazz Festival in Basel. It was nice. Heels + Coblestone + Clubsy American = Injury. On the way home I twisted my ankle on the coblestone...argh. The plan was to leave for Lucerne at 8 Sat morning. Due to my injury (so mostly...other factors such as a late night may have contributed) I did not make it. I really, really wanted to go so I took a later train and caught up with the group at the top of Mt. Pilatus. I did forget my camera and missed the boat though, but here is picture of the group (thanks Ala)!

Mt. Pilatus is incredible. I took the World's Steepest Cogwheel Railway to the top where I met everyone. It was so beautiful...we were in the clouds! It was so amazing!!! And cold, but a little wine helps with that :)

After lounging under wool blankets admiring the view, we decided to head down the mountain a little bit for some fun on Switzerland's longest summer toboggan run! It was soooooooo fun!!! The first run was so exciting we went again. I decided that the signs that said "break" were optional... which they were, so I guess it was my option to fall out and crash. Yes, I had a toboggan accident. OK, so it really isn't bad but... It was SOOOOOOOOOO much fun.

We were going to do the ropes course but we didn't have enough time so we took the gondala down to Lucerne. We had a great Italian dinner on the river and then drinks at a bar with a Panoramic view of the city. It was so beautiful watching the moon and the lights of Lucerne in the evening.

Today...recovery and relaxation.

http://www.pilatus.ch/content-n58-sE.html

I Hate Vonage...Seriously

So my US phone isn't working...again. I really hate Vonage and if I didn't need that phone number I would set up an "I Hate Vonage" blog which I bet I could Google and find...

Anyhow, had a great day in Lucerne but too tired...goodnight!

OK, so I did just Google "VONAGE SUCKS 2008) and there are tons and tons of posts. If I didn't want to keep my number...

I have been email back and forth with them today. I really, really, really, really hate Vonage!!!

Falafel

Not really sure I like it...

German...very useful when trying to use a washing machine with directions in that language. I had to wash my clothes in the tub after making yet another mess in the laundry room (last time I opened a front-loader full of water).

Coffee cups... important to know what size is appropriate for the coffee maker, especially when with a coworker (at least he thought it was funny when I made a mess...I think) :)

I love it here!!!! Seriously....love it! Miss everyone, but wisheveryone could come here...even if there is no Taco Bell and I'm almost out of Goober Grape Peanut Butter and Jelly!

My New Friends from Zurich :)

So really I just got these photos from Rodney and Simone...

Nothing too new. We went to Bar Rouge last night (at the top of the Ramada, the tallest building in Switzerland) which was great and then to another meeting spot so it was very nice. I was so excited last night I couldn't sleep. This weekend we are going to Lucerne. It should be quite beautiful. http://www.pilatus.ch/content-n136-sE.html

I got my B Permit today...so I am legal :) I just got my Swiss cell phone but can't figure out how to dial other people here :(. So I'll figure it out tomorrow. I'm going to take advantage of a quiet evening to clean and hopefully sleep...I think:)

Finally...

Finally I have my internet...this also means that I have my Vonage phone. So for those of you stateside, call my old number and it is still US call. Now I just need a Swiss Cell Phone.

Zurich Street Parade

The First Week

So I have been here one week now and I am so excited. After arrival on Saturday, I walked around and went to sleep. On Sunday, I went with my Welcome lady to get my luggage etc. and then Rodney and Simone came and picked me up. For those of you who don't know, I used to work with Rodney at UPS, his wife Simone was sent on assignment here, and it is completed unrelated but very nice that we all ended up moving at the same time. I was so glad they got me because I didn't have a phone and didn't have much to do since I only had a little luggage. We went and watched a beach volleyball tournament in the middle of the city. It was men's tournament and you can buy Prosecco in a can so all was great.

I couldn't have asked for a better first day of work. My first role is Operations Portfolio Controller and I am learning so much. It's funny, one of the people that our group supports is Simone's. I have my own office with a window on the seventh floor. Two other people started at the same time and they set up lunches etc. with members of the department. We were invited out for drinks that night and ended up at a really nice outdoor bar at the Rhine.

Tuesday was a bad day...not all day, but I was so happy to buy this Orange Flybox for internet access and then when it didn't work...

Wed we had a scheduled lunch with another member of the program who turned out to be my assigned buddy. The team I work on is restructuring so we had an overnight teambuilding meeting. We went to this lovely hotel in the country. The meetings are so organized and they have "catalists" that run them. It was great as I got to meet everyone and we had a great dinner that lasted until 11pm. The next day after our sessions, we hiked up a mountain and ate lunch at a restaurant at the top with a great view of Basel and France. Friday my air container came with some more essential items. I live in a cute little temporary apartment so I'll get my other items in a month or two. That night we went to Paddy's for drinks. Then we went back out at 11p for a night on the town. It was nice...yes that sums it up.

After very little sleep I decided to test the whole bike riding thing. Interesting. I made it to Rodney and Simon's and we got on a train to Zurich for the street parade. House music, half naked people, drunken debauchary, great times. We didn't really partake but we did get inside all of the action. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Street_Parade

Today I am catching up after a very exciting week. Don't worry; I won't have a daily recap next post...just this first week.

I am alive

So I am alive...hard to tell without internet or phone access. After all of the delays due to strike and stupidity, I made it without my luggage. I got 1 peice Sunday and the other on Monday so I am good now. I will write a detailed account once I get my internet working. I miss everyone but am doing fine...except for today but that is mostlz because I cannot activate my SIM card so I cannot get my internet so I cannot call anyone....and you all know exactly how much patience I have...

Not Frankfurt, Not Paris, but London...

I missed my flight! So I made it to Philadelphia on time and then missed my flight to Paris. I really don't want to write about it, but let's just say misinformation, miscommunication, and almost a misdemeanor as I showed out at the Air France gate :) I was so happy to get to GSO on time after a long goodbye night... a very long goodbye night, only to mess it up at my next stop. Anyhow, I'm in Heathrow Airport now and have quite a while to sit, about 5 hours, but at least I'm on the correct continent. I miss everyone already but am excited to get this adventure started.

Saying Goodbye...or Until Next Time

So I have made my rounds....said goodbye to work and all my co-workers, went to Charlotte for Kim's birthday with Dana, went to Asheboro to visit my friends Stan, Jill, and Dakota, went to Fayetteville to see my grandmother and mother, went to Raleigh to see my brother and friends, and now I'm staying at Dana's since my house is officially rented. Tomorrow will be my last full day here and I have a million things to take care of before going out with my friends tomorrow night for the final goodbye...or not so much goodbye but until next time.

I almost forgot...the airline I'm flying, Lufthansa, is on strike...so we'll see what happens...

Getting Ready to Go!

My house should be rented tomorrow, everything is packed, and I am unemployed until Friday :) Almost ready to go... as ready as one can be:)

Well I thought I was ready until my phone quit working today...argh!!! I sure hope they get this mess fixed real soon!

Checking it out

So I wanted to find a way to keep up with everyone all at once, so here you go :) I've never blogged before but I am imagining this is a boring start. Hopefully it will be interactive (hint,hint) to make it much more interesting.



Anyhow, I've been to Switzerland twice so far, for approximately 6 days total, and now I'm moving there for good. I don't know any of the official languages. This move may seem crazy to most, but for those who know me it's right in line and it has been my dream since, well as long as I can remember. As of today, the majority of my belongings are in a sea container on the way to the coast. I leave August 1st (a holiday in Switzerland) and will move into my temporary housing when I arrive the following day.